Norway to Raise Minimum Salary Requirements for Foreign Workers from September 1

[justseyi]

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has announced a significant revision to the minimum salary requirements for foreign nationals applying for residence and work permits. The changes, set to take effect from September 1, 2025, are part of broader efforts to ensure wage parity between foreign workers and their Norwegian counterparts, as well as to maintain fair labor practices.

According to UDI, the current thresholds have not adequately reflected recent wage growth in Norway. The updated requirements are designed to protect the domestic workforce and discourage the underpayment of skilled international employees.

“The annual adjustments we have made in the past have not kept pace with wage growth. Therefore, we have made significant adjustments to the salary requirements,” the agency said in a public statement.

Revised Salary Thresholds Based on Educational Qualification

The new salary benchmarks will vary depending on the educational qualifications associated with the job role:

• For roles requiring a bachelor’s degree, the minimum annual salary will increase to NOK 522,600 (approximately €45,190), up from NOK 469,366 (€40,587), representing an 11.3% increase.

• For roles requiring a master’s degree, the minimum salary will rise to NOK 599,200 (€51,802), up from NOK 513,100 (€44,358).

These thresholds apply to positions not covered by collective labor agreements and are intended to standardize compensation levels for skilled migrants across various industries.

Exceptions for Jobs Covered by Collective Agreements

Foreign workers employed in sectors regulated by collective agreements—such as construction, hospitality, and manufacturing—will continue to be subject to the wage levels established in those agreements. UDI noted that such workers must still be paid according to the agreed rates for their sector, which may differ from the national minimum thresholds.

Flexibility and Documentation Requirements

The Directorate indicated that there will be limited flexibility for applicants whose salaries fall below the national minimum, provided they can supply strong documentation showing that the offered wage aligns with the local norm for their profession and location.

“We may accept a lower salary if you can document that this is normal for your occupation in the place where you will be working. However, it takes substantial evidence,” the UDI stated.

This clause may particularly benefit applicants in rural regions or niche roles where market wages are lower than urban averages.

Family Reunification Income Requirement Also Increased

In a related policy update earlier this year, Norway also raised the income requirement for family reunification. Applicants must now demonstrate an annual income of at least NOK 400,000 (€34,116), up from NOK 335,000 (€28,572).

Guidance for Prospective Applicants

Individuals planning to apply for a Norwegian work visa from September 2025 onward are strongly advised to:

• Review the updated salary requirements for their educational and professional background;

• Ensure that their job offer meets or exceeds the new salary threshold;

• Confirm whether their industry is governed by collective wage agreements;

• Prepare comprehensive documentation if seeking an exemption based on local wage norms.

Norway continues to attract foreign professionals amid ongoing skill shortages, particularly in sectors such as health care, IT, engineering, and education. The UDI emphasized that these updates are aimed at fostering a transparent and equitable job market for all workers.

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